A Jerusalem-based advocacy group has named Cheryl Chumley, online opinion editor at The Washington Times, one of Israel’s Top 50 Christian Allies for 2024.
The Israel Allies Foundation, an international network of pro-Israel lawmakers, ranked Ms. Chumley No. 19 on its fifth annual list released Tuesday.
Evangelist Franklin Graham, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Texas Pastor Larry Huch were the top three pro-Israel Christian leaders named, in descending order. Others in the top 50 included actress Patricia Heaton, TV host “Dr. Phil” McGraw and Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.
“This diverse group, which includes pastors, former politicians and organizational leaders, represents the leading voices championing Israel in 2024,” the foundation said.
The group noted that Ms. Chumley and others on the list have been “particularly vocal” in their faith-based advocacy since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, sparking the war in Gaza.
It cited Ms. Chumley’s contributions “to discussions on political and social issues across various media platforms” and her visit to Israel in March to interview victims of the raid.
“She is a vocal supporter of Israel, emphasizing the strategic and moral significance of maintaining a firm U.S. stance in backing the country against its adversaries,” the Israel Allies Foundation said.
Ms. Chumley, who writes commentary for The Times and hosts its “Bold and Blunt” podcast from a conservative Christian perspective, was the only journalist included on this year’s list. A practicing Baptist, she lives in Virginia with her family.
“This is a recognition that I will treasure until my dying day,” Ms. Chumley said Wednesday. “Being noted as a friend of Israel is both personally fulfilling and professionally gratifying, and it’s an honor that sets The Washington Times as distinct and above other news outlets, as well.”
She credited The Times for sending her to Israel “in the aftermath of the Hamas terror attacks to meet firsthand with those most affected by the atrocities,” which she said let her counter antisemitic narratives “that were floating fast and furious from outside governments and groups.”
Episodes from that poignant trip filtered into her podcast episodes and columns as she worked to “let the Jewish people know they were not alone,” she said.
“The Washington Times has certainly shown itself to be one of the most truthful tellers of Israel-Middle East news among international press, now underscored by this recognition,” Ms. Chumley added.
Israeli military operations in response to last year’s deadly attack have decimated Hamas forces.
They have also inflicted large numbers of civilian casualties as the war spreads.
The conflagration has prompted international criticism of Israel, pro-Hamas student protests at U.S. colleges and complaints from the Biden-Harris administration.
In her Oct. 7 podcast episode on the first anniversary of the attack, Ms. Chumley noted that the conflict shows no sign of letting up.
“It’s been a year since the horrific Hamas terror attack against Israel, and the war is far from over — in fact, it’s not just continued, but expanded,” she said. “And much of the world wrongfully blames Israel.”
Founded in 2007, the Israel Allies Foundation is affiliated with over 50 pro-Israel government bodies worldwide. They include the bipartisan Congressional Israel Allies Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus in Israel and similar groups in Brazil, Canada, South Africa, Italy and Japan.
The foundation releases its top 50 list ahead of the seven-day Jewish celebration of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, which began Wednesday. Sukkot commemorates the story of the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years as Moses led them to the promised land.
• Sean Salai can be reached at ssalai@washingtontimes.com.
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